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POLYPODIUM LEUCOTOMOS Uses & Effectiveness

Itchy and inflamed skin (eczema). Early research suggests that taking a specific Polypodium leucotomos extract (Anapsos by ASAC Pharma) by mouth might reduce inflammation in people with itchy and inflamed skin.

Dementia. The effectiveness of Polypodium leucotomos for dementia is unclear. Some early research suggests that taking a specific Polypodium leucotomos extract (Anapsos by ASAC Pharma) 360 mg daily by mouth for 4 weeks might improve mental function in people with mild to moderate dementia. However, other research suggests that taking 720 mg of the same extract daily might not be effective. The reason for these conflicting results is not clear.

Psoralen-UVA (PUVA) light exposure damage. Psoralen is a medication for a skin condition called psoriasis. Exposure to UV light makes psoralen work better in some patients. This combination treatment is called PUVA. There is some evidence that taking a specific Polypodium leucotomos extract (Fernblock by Cantabria Farmaceutica) before PUVA treatment can reduce skin redness and signs of light damage. Polypodium leucotomos also seems to decrease skin darkening that happens to some people after PUVA treatment. Early research also suggests that taking a specific Polypodium leucotomos extract (Difur by Cantabria Farmaceutica) or applying a lotion containing Polypodium leucotomos extract before light exposure might decrease skin damage in people with psoralen-sensitized skin.

Sunburn. Early research suggests that taking a specific Polypodium leucotomos extract (Fernblock by Cantabria Farmaceutica) before sun exposure can reduce reddening of the skin and signs of skin damage. Early research also suggests that taking a specific Polypodium leucotomos extract (Difur by Cantabria Farmaceutica) or applying a lotion containing Polypodium leucotomos before sun exposure might decrease sun damage. Clinical studies on sunburn and sun damage have used a specific extract of Polypodium leucotomos (Fernblock by Cantabria Farmaceutica). This extract is used in Heliocare brand name products.

A condition called vitiligo in which whitish patches appear on the skin. Early research suggests that taking a specific extract of Polypodium leucotomos (Fernblock by Cantabria Farmaceutica) for up to 26 weeks might return some skin color in people with vitiligo. There are also some reports that taking a different extract of Polypodium leucotomos (Anapsos by ASAC Pharma) for 5 months can have similar effects.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of Polypodium leucotomos for these uses.

POLYPODIUM LEUCOTOMOS Side Effects & Safety

Polypodium leucotomos is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth or applied to the skin, short-term. One polypodium leucotomos extract (Fernblock, Cantabria Farmaceutica) has been used safely for up to 2 days. Another extract (Anapsos, ASAC Pharma) has been used safely for up to 5 months. The safety of long-term use is not known. There is very little information available about possible side effects of Polypodium leucotomos. It may cause upset stomach in some people.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking Polypodium leucotomos if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

POLYPODIUM LEUCOTOMOS Interactions

We currently have no information for POLYPODIUM LEUCOTOMOS Interactions

POLYPODIUM LEUCOTOMOS Dosing

The appropriate dose of Polypodium leucotomos depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Polypodium leucotomos. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Bernd, A., Theilig, C., Ramirez-Bosca, A., and et al. Comparison of extract from Polypodium leucotomos with further fractions regarding their immunomodulating activities [published abstract]. Presented at the International Symposium on the Impact of Cancer Biotechnology on Diagnostic and Prognostic Indicators, Nice, France, October 26-28, 1996.

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